The Olympics is usually seen as an event in which the world puts aside its differences and comes together to admire the efforts and talents of elite athletes. The opening ceremony is a prime example of this as each country walks out after an elaborate performance while showcasing a defining part of their culture and people. However, this particular opening ceremony was an especially historic one. Four years ago, the IOC and WADA began investigating a Russia for executing a large scale systemic doping program. Such a wide spread program hasn’t been seen since the days of East Germany. Though Russia is banned from competing in the event, the IOC has allowed for athletes who tested clean to compete and represent themselves under the name, “Olympic Athletes from Russia”. To me, this seems like a very easy way out for the IOC as they try to maintain a somewhat good relationship with the Russians. Ultimately, while it would have been unfair for the athletes who were clean to not be apart of the event, every Russian athlete should have been banned. Such an act would have sent a stern message to everyone else that such behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstance. Russia continues to be at the forefront of a large number of news stories in 2018 and it will be interesting to see how the country responds going forward.

The second biggest talking point from the opening ceremony was the “unification” of the two Koreas. In a historic move, both South & North Korea walked together under one flag. While this was certainly heartwarming and hopefully a reality that will come to fruition, it is unlikely it will happen anytime soon. The actions of North Korea throughout the entire Olympics so far have been, what feels like, a giant PR stunt. From Kim Jong Un’s sister to this, North Korea is doing everything in its power to show they are a diplomatic nation that can change. Personally, I don’t believe the country’s actions are genuine and change will not occur for years. The question must also be asked as to why North Korea is allowed to compete. It is not uncommon for a country which has committed so many humanitarian crimes to be excluded from the Olympics. For example, South Africa was expelled from the IOC from 1970-1988 due to the apartheid.

This Olympics has been unlike any olympics I can remember and for once, the off field stories have been just as big of a spectacle as the events on the field.